FRIPP ISLAND SEA RESCUE

Summer Boating

by Fripp Island Sea Rescue Crew Members. June 29, 2021

If you see a flare, there is some key information to provide when reporting to Fripp Security or 9-1-1.

By the Rocket’s Red Glare...

When Francis Scott Key penned the words that eventually became our National Anthem, he clearly saw red over Fort McHenry. Over 1,500 shells were fired at the fort that rainy Thursday in 1814. Before dawn’s early light this July, red rockets will have certainly have been spotted near Fripp and our other Sea Islands. Some fireworks, others perhaps boat flares.

It is important to report flares off-shore or in the marsh. This info will Fripp Security, Fire, EMS, and Sea Rescue respond as quicky as possible. Be as specific as you can.

• What color was the flare – red, yellow, or white? Multicolor? Bright or dull?

• Does it appear to be - going up, coming down or staying relatively still? Flashing or steady? Tall and narrow or a wide explosion across the sky? One or many?

• Any landmarks – over the island? Over an island? Near a bridge or in one of our inlets? Near to shore or out at sea? • Location - where were you when you saw the flare? Was it N, S, E or West of you at that time?

• Time – check your watch or time on your phone, or your best estimate.

Residents or Visitors who call Fripp Security or 911 –Leave your phone number. We can call back if more information is needed to determine if it is simply fireworks, a boat in distress, or perhaps training or a rescue mission underway. We appreciate your support!

FISR Crew Members John Campbell, Mary Jacobs, David Manning, Jimmy Myers, Eric Roberts, Harold Waller and Nancy Wingenbach provided inspiration and guidance for this article.

So, the more things change, the more they stay the same…

Our Harbor River swing bridge is no more, its parts gradually being taken out to sea, recycled as offshore fishing reefs. The new HR Bridge is a marvel. Hunting Island Pier is now under repair and soon will be providing great in-shore fishing from either boats or the pier. Bridges on Fripp Island have also recently been repaired and upgraded. They may look the same, but are safer and stronger with old damage repaired. Sea Rescue appreciates all these changes as we dispatch to the Marina or navigate around the Island.

Training and Maintenance

Training is ongoing for all Crew members. USCG Tybee and Charleston helos are over our islands several times each month with our rescue boats assisting as needed.

SEARCH and Rescue: On June 9, Manning, Myers and Waller participated in a Search and Rescue Simulation with CG Tybee and other Rescue Units from across the Low Country.

Rescue 1: Still waiting for the Yamaha engine to replace the one that failed and is covered by insurance. We have also authorized several thousand dollars raised in the March FISR-BWS&R Golf Tournament for upgrades to our primary rescue boat.

Rescue 2: In excellent shape except for a broken bow nav light damaged on a mission. Until the new part arrives it is daytime only operation. Rescue 3: No we don’t have 3 boats at present – but Wingenbach and Jacobs have allowed us to ‘deputize’ their boat, Recess, for missions, training and back-up while R1 is out. Side benefit – free maintenance and boat cleaning courtesy of other Crew Members!

With Independence Day upon us, Fall boating can’t be far away. Stay safe out there.

REPORTING a WATER EMERGENCY: CALL 911 and Provide Your Location, Phone # and Details of the Emergency.

Resources: • Fripp Inlet Tide Tables. https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/south-carolina/ fripps-inlet-sc/tides/ • US Coast Guard, Sector Charleston: • Francis Scott Key, An Unlikely Patriot. www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ francis-scott-key-the-reluctant-patriot-180937178/ • FISR on social media: www.FISeaRescue.org, https://www.facebook.com/FrippIslandSeaRescue/